WE ALL want to be greener. But many small firms have been put off by the recession. That’s what the Forum of Private Business (FPB) reckons in a new survey they’ve undertaken. And you can understand why.
Going greener is a) a positive step; b) money saving. So all-round it’s something of a no-brainer. But, and this is the issue the FPB has uncovered, more than one in five small firms are delaying embracing environmentally-friendly measures because of the recession – because, I believe, the number one item on any small business agenda is just survival. Whatever it takes.
The FPB’s policy representative, Matt Goodman, told me on Friday afternoon: “When small businesses are considering implementing environmentally-friendly policies, the will is certainly there. But it is often thwarted by the perception of steep costs and a lack of information and support.”
Matt continued to say that reducing carbon emissions can mean savings on the bottom line – I couldn’t agree more, particularly with cars.
However, here’s one idea that I came across for small businesses wishing to reduce emissions – I found it in the ETA’s newsletter, which you can see here.
It’s not a car but the latest design of electric bicycle from Germany. And, reckons the Environmental Transport Association, offers performance better than many small petrol scooters.
Called the GRACE, it looks like any hybrid mountain bike, but with a weight of 32kgs makes it heavy for a bicycle. But not, says the ETA, for a very light scooter with a maximum speed of 28mph.
If you fancy something a little more conventional, then how about the Volvo C30 DRIVe I’m currently testing this week?
The C30 is Volvo’s little coupe. It has been given Volvo’s DRIVe treatment plus start-stop, which means amazing savings on fuel consumption – I’m currently recording over 58mpg. Yet it doesn’t feel like a performance pauper. On the contrary, the diesel has great mid-range punch and is highly satisfying to drive.
Another alternative is my Audi A6 TDIe – rather more conventional than the C30. But another car that can provide exceptional economy – 46mpg in mixed town/motorway use I’m getting – yet still delivers the executive experience from its sophisticated leather-clad interior.
In both cases – Volvo and Audi – there’s no feeling of being short-changed. And when you look at the taxation savings, both in terms of driver benefit-in-kind company car tax and writing down allowances, then the financial benefits to driving greener are clear.
So, while survival at all costs has been the small business mantra, now must be the time to start thinking about taking advantage of any business revival, however slender. And with it, adopting a greener approach. The savings you’ll find on the bottom line.
Recession puts environmental change on hold
